NEW DELHI — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on BRICS members to deepen economic cooperation by increasing the use of national currencies in trade and building stronger financial links among member states.
Addressing the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi on Friday, Pezeshkian said the group’s real power would come not simply from its combined economic size, but from turning that strength into practical trade, investment and financial networks.
He warned that geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and the growing use of economic pressure as a political tool were making the global economy increasingly uncertain. BRICS, he said, should develop systems that protect legitimate trade from disruption caused by control over financial and technological tools.
Pezeshkian urged members to simplify customs procedures, remove administrative barriers and expand cross-border markets. He also called for greater cooperation in industrial standards, arguing that BRICS should move beyond the simple exchange of raw materials and build stronger joint production and value chains.
The Iranian president placed food and energy security at the heart of economic security. With its large energy reserves and strategic location, he said, Iran is ready to become a key link in BRICS energy, food and transport networks.
He described wider use of national currencies in intra-BRICS trade as a major priority and proposed measures to manage currency risks and make payments easier. He also suggested that the New Development Bank provide more local-currency financing and guarantees for infrastructure and energy projects.
Pezeshkian further proposed a $10 billion BRICS reinsurance company to protect major projects and encourage private investment.
On technology, he urged BRICS to become a producer, rather than merely a consumer, of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. He also called for stronger cybersecurity and measurable targets for the BRICS Business Council.
He said Iran was ready to help build a more open, resilient and balanced global economy through closer cooperation with all BRICS members.
